Ashley Harkleroad to appear nude in Playboy

Melbourne, May 26 (ANI): American tennis player Ashley Harkleroad has posed nude for the August edition of Playboy magazine.

The 23-year-old tennis star herself made this announcement, after Serena Williams beat her 6-2 6-1 in the first round of the French Open on Sunday.

Pointing out that many athletes had appeared in Playboy, the 23-year-old said that she would be the first tennis player to be featured in the magazine.

“I’ll be the first tennis player ever. That’s kind of cool,” the Daily Telegraph quoted her as saying.

“There’s a few reasons why I did it, but I can’t really go into it right now. But like I said, I really didn’t think it was that big of a deal. I’m proud of my body. I stay in shape and try to stay fit,” she added.

Eight-time Grand Slam champion Williams said that she respected Harkleroad’s decision to pose for the men’s magazine.

She, however, denied that she had any such plans.

“I can’t say right now it’s in any thought of my mind to be in that mag. But I’m happy for her if that’s what she wanted to do. It takes a lot of courage,” Williams said. (ANI)